New Balance SC Elite v4. A racy number!
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Lacing up the New Balance SC Elite v4 for my first run felt like stepping into the future of marathon shoes. It’s sleek, lightweight, and bursting with features designed to propel you forward — and after logging plenty of miles, I can confidently say it mostly delivers on that promise.
Let’s start with the good stuff. The moment my foot slid into the shoe, I noticed the plush yet secure fit. The upper is made from a breathable, engineered mesh that hugs your foot without feeling restrictive. Even on warmer runs, my feet stayed cool, and I appreciated how the material adapted to my stride.
The midsole is where the magic happens. The SC Elite v4 features New Balance’s FuelCell foam, made from PEBA, paired with their innovative Energy Arc technology. The Energy Arc combines sport-specific carbon fiber plate geometry with strategic midsole voids, designed to increase stored energy and deliver a higher amount of total energy returned. Every step felt springy and responsive, with the foam providing a soft, cushioned landing and the plate adding a propulsive kick-off. It almost felt like the shoe was urging me to go faster — a feeling that’s downright addictive, especially on tempo runs or race-day efforts.
Another standout feature is the shoe's stability. For a carbon-plated racer, the SC Elite v4 offers a surprisingly stable ride. The wider platform underfoot gave me confidence on turns and uneven pavement, reducing that wobbly sensation you sometimes get in super shoes.
However, no shoe is perfect, and the SC Elite v4 has a few drawbacks. While the foam is luxuriously soft, it can feel a bit too squishy on slower runs. I found that when I backed off the pace, the shoe lost some of its responsiveness, almost like it was begging to be pushed harder. This makes it less versatile for easy-day training.
The durability is another minor concern. As the foam is so soft, don’t expect to get the same mileage out of the SC Elite as you do out of, say, the 1080.
Fit-wise, the shoe runs slightly narrow. My feet are relatively average width, but I could see runners with wider feet feeling a bit cramped, especially during longer efforts when feet tend to swell. I’d recommend trying them on or going a half size up if you’re unsure.
Despite these minor issues, the New Balance SC Elite v4 is an absolute blast to run in. It shines brightest on race day, long runs with faster finishes, or any session where you really want to push your limits. The combination of comfort, propulsion, and stability makes it a top contender in the carbon-plated scene.
For runners chasing PB’s, looking for a shoe that adds some serious pop to their stride, the SC Elite v4 is well worth considering. It may not be the perfect all-rounder, but when you’re flying down the road, feeling like you have rockets strapped to your feet, those small imperfections fade into the background. And honestly? That feeling alone makes this shoe a winner in my book.